The signing of gun duo Harvey Hooper and James Bell headline the GIANTS’ VFL squad for season 2026.
A massive signing for the club’s VFL program, the GIANTS welcomed Hooper to Sydney in the summer following an esteemed 10-year VFL career with the Borough in which he captained the side and was a key part of the club’s thrilling 2017 VFL premiership win.
Also a two-time best and fairest winner at the Borough and multiple time VFL Team of the Year member, Hooper has been one of the most respected and decorated players in the VFL for the past decade and will add a wealth of experience to the GIANTS’ VFL program in 2026.
Originally announcing his retirement from the VFL at the conclusion of the 2025 season to relocate to Sydney to be with his partner, Hooper has since decided to take the opportunity to reunite with former coach Robbie Chancellor who has also joined the GIANTS for season 2026.
Meanwhile Bell, the former Swan with 28 games of AFL experience, will also don orange and charcoal in 2026 after a superb three years for Glenelg in the SANFL, helping the Tigers claim back-to-back premierships in 2023 and 2024 before finishing runner-up in 2025.
A former Swans Academy product, Bell averaged 18.1 disposals, 5.5 tackles, 4 clearances, and 4.1 inside 50s per game for Glenelg this past season and will be a welcome addition to the GIANTS’ VFL midfield brigade in 2026.
Other notable signings are SANFL duo Lachlan Grubb and Kye Pfrengle, as well as Riley Dillon and Toby Hunt who have made the move from the Talent League in Victoria to become GIANTS in 2026.
Other newcomers to the GIANTS’ VFL program for season 2026 are Nick Kelly, Lachlan McArthur, Jerome Lawrence, Cameron Edwards, Ethan Roberts, Tom Hitchens, Jaxon East, and Jac Mifsud.
Meanwhile Louie Montgomery, Izaac Hughes, Hugo Birks, Mackenzie Allen, Sam McMeeken, Mitch Szybkowski, Jaiden Butson, Taine Moraschi, and Declan Fitzgerald have all re-signed and will return in 2026.
Also as recently announced, Ryan Hebron will return to skipper the side for a fifth straight season.
The GIANTS’ VFL side will get its first real action of 2026 when it takes on the Swans’ VFL side at Henson Park on Thursday, February 26 following an official practice match between the club’s AFL sides.
GIANTS’ 2026 VFL List to Date
Full VFL Contract List:
47 Ryan Hebron
48 James Bell
49 Nick Kelly
50 Louie Montgomery
51 Harvey Hooper
52 Lachlan Grubb
53 Lachlan McArthur
54 Izaac Hughes
55 Hugo Birks
56 Kye Pfrengle
57 Jerome Lawrence
58 Cameron Edwards
59 Mackenzie Allen
60 Riley Dillon
61 Ethan Roberts
62 Sam McMeeken
63 Tom Hitchens
64 Jaxon East
65 Mitch Szybkowski
66 Jaiden Butson
67 Taine Moraschi
68 Declan Fitzgerald
69 Toby Hunt
70 Jac Mifsud
